Michael Jackson Magazine Covers: A Unique Approach Possible?

The Michael Jackson story represents a moment in time for the celebrity weekly category that will be remembered for years to come.

In every other week of the year, editors pause and think about what the competition is doing and hope that competitors don't cover the same topic.

Not so this week!

This was the first time in decades that editors were faced with competition not only from the category competitors, but also from newsweeklies, music magazines and special stand-alone tribute issues. Everybody knew that one star, Michael Jackson, would be the main cover story of the week.

The result? All of the editors clearly understood how big this story is and delivered Michael Jackson covers across the board -- except Star Magazine. (More on Star later.)

Click here to see all the magazine covers featuring Michael Jackson!

What's even more fascinating is that each magazine developed a cover that is different in some way from the others, from the visual approach to the way the story was packaged on the cover.

Check them out and vote on whether you'd buy each cover below:

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People: The Tribute Approach

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Vote and Share Choose Your Top 5 Leave It! Buy It! Now Make Your Own Top 5 And Share with Your Friends RANK: AVERAGE:  OUT OF 10 People Magazine served up its traditional tribute issue with the King of Pop Performing. The main line 'The Talent and Tragedy' reflects what readers think of Michael Jackson's entire life.

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Click here to see all the magazine covers featuring Michael Jackson!

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Comments

[RobinLandseadel]

Gawd no! Why waste money on this sort of crap? I do what I can to skip MJ stories on the tube. It's pretty much boiling down to hype about hype.

[JBS]

Nope. Got some when George Harrison and Jerry Garcia passed, but MJ ain't my thang.

[shirleyfeeney]

I don't subscribe to magazines, but yes, I did pick up People because it was the only one I could find in my pathetic grocery store. The pictures were great and I didn't get it for the "articles". It's really for my youngest kids who are now asking "who is Michael Jackson".

However, I will NOT buy OK for that horrible death photo. Or any other photo. That was disgusting and disrespectful.

[NoSillyName]

Great picture on the "People" cover, but NO. I will not buy these magazines.

I'm sure the story will be covered in the news magazines I subscribe to.

I hate tabloids, even if they've become mainstream.

[harriettubman]

People isn't a tabloid. They did great tributes to Lucille Ball, Jackie Kennedy and others.

[Bulbul]

I bought the Time and USA today , just for the cover...
Of course I am not gonna read what`s inside, all of them spews plenty of rubbish.
Waiting for the video to come out....

[javaJimmy]

I'll buy them all !
And please rush them to me!
I'm stranded and out of toilet paper!

[RobinLandseadel]

This reminds of a story concerning Beethoven. After receiving a rather ill review the composer said: "I am sitting in the smallest room of my house. Your review in in front of me. Presently it shall be behind me."

[iRock]

Speaking of MAGAZINES:

If you haven't gotten the commemorative MJ issue of TIME, do yourself a favor and go get it.

It chronicled MJs life and career in a very classy fashion.

[Bulbul]

I got it, for the cover picture, if you say so , I may glance inside....
thanks.

[shirleyfeeney]

I've been looking for it but not successful in finding it.

[iRock]

Hell no.

These are the same mags that called him "Jacko"

I hope they ALL go in the tank.

[Giada]

No magazines with that special twist. I much prefer books and net research.

[progressivelady]

Maybe the most reputable one is PEOPLE

[RobinSeattle]

That statement is just so wrong. The Weekly Reader is written for a higher grade level than People. Reader's Digest (sixth grade reading level) looks down on People.

Really, why does anyone read celebrity magazines? Are their lives that empty? I guess they are.

[TigersEye]

Unfortunately People has become just another tabloid. You won't get much of a varied perception at that magazine, everything is sunshine and rainbows regarding the majority of the celebs it features. Hardcore truth in journaIism it's not, more like a fluffy marshmallow that's fun to read sometimes.

[harriettubman]

Their articles on regular folks are great.

[SpaceLuvr]

No wouldn't waste my money.

[ibivi]

Why? It has been Michael everywhere on TV and Cable, 24/7. We're getting way more details about him than I ever wanted to know. With his funeral and memorial coming up, it will continue to be saturation coverage. Save the trees. Just watch TV.

[MED1025]

Second.

[WasteNJ]

People who bought those rags last week and the week before, will buy them this week. I'm sure they will all be able to sell copies to non-readers by pimping MJ's image, but only for a little while.

[justwaitandsee]

http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20287787_20288708,00.html

[Alila]

The OK cover is shameful.

[pb28]

Jon and Kate are breathing a sigh of relief